Free Resources
Welcome and Introductions
Welcome to the ND Founders Community, hosted here on Solo School! This is a space for Solo School members and our larger ND Founders community to come together and support each other, grow together, get and give wisdom and advice, and more.
If you want to introduce yourself, you can use our secret formula:
-
What you call yourself (name, pronouns, etc.)
-
What you do (or “I want to start a business but I don’t know what”)
-
Where you’re based (nearest major city)
-
The next step you’re taking in your business (including “figuring out the next step!”)
-
Your current hyperfixation (links welcome!)
Here’s mine, for an example:
Hi! I’m Cheryl (she/they). I am the founder of Solo School and ND Founders, but I used to run an agency. I live near Vancouver, BC, Canada, am working on scaling, and am currently hyperfocused on knitting and crochet.
Yay! I figured out how to get in here 
Yay!
Hi! I'm Elja(she/her), I want to work as a neuromovement practitioner but health limitations are preventing me from doing that (i joined solo school on fb because i want to keep this goal to aim for). I live in the north of the Netherlands. I am working on making short audiolessons for my mom and a friend.
Oh! Tell us more about the audio lessons! What are they about?
Also, you should meet Paula James in here at some point. She is one of our Solo School members' coaches and she does movement work, I bet you'd get along very well!
Also, you should meet Paula James in here at some point. She is one of our Solo School members' coaches and she does movement work, I bet you'd get along very well!
I almost feel embarrassed to say, i think i recorded 5 short ones. So it's not much.
The lessons guide you through a series of gentle and slow movements in a way that invites you to notice what you feel in your body. Exploring movemenrs in this way can help improve function and ease pain.
My mom is recovering from a broken vertebrae and my friend has ME/cfs (like I do). Neuromovement lessons can be adapted to suit people with very little ability to move, it can be so tiny, that people don't even see that you're moving.
Thank you for mentioning Paula, loved to hear about her work. I'll remember her name!
I'm really eager to do more with it. But for now I need to focus on my own health. Hopefully I will be able increase my workable hours in the future.
The lessons guide you through a series of gentle and slow movements in a way that invites you to notice what you feel in your body. Exploring movemenrs in this way can help improve function and ease pain.
My mom is recovering from a broken vertebrae and my friend has ME/cfs (like I do). Neuromovement lessons can be adapted to suit people with very little ability to move, it can be so tiny, that people don't even see that you're moving.
Thank you for mentioning Paula, loved to hear about her work. I'll remember her name!
I'm really eager to do more with it. But for now I need to focus on my own health. Hopefully I will be able increase my workable hours in the future.
I'm so sorry about your mom :'( and your own & friend's diagnoses. That's a lot! I'm really curious to know more about neuromovement and this use of teeny tiny movements in effecting bigger changes than might be apparent. It sounds like it might apply well to horse training (everything in me gets applied forward and reverse to that) in that sometimes it's the tiniest things we do (or they do) that actually mean a LOT.
Thank you for the warm welcome, Kit! What a coincidence that you've studied in my hometown. Where do you live now?
This work is being used with horses and other animals too. And there's a method called Tellington T Touch that I heard mention for animals that seems to have some aspects in common with Neuromovement and Feldenkrais.
Neuromovement is developed on the basis of the Feldenkrais Method. Feldenkrais is much bigger, that's why there is more information available about it.
There are some very good videos that can introduce you to this work.
This video explains it in short:
A 1 hour documentary(around 52 minutes the part of working with animals start):
I love these methods. They've improved my quality of life and I honestly believe anyone could benefit from it. But it takes some getting used to because it is so different than excercise: its meant to be easy, gentle, slow. Pain and discomfort should be avoided. It's more about learning, giving your brain information to improve function. It's not about training muscles.
I'm enthuastic, can you tell? haha
Feel free to ask if you want to know more!
Hi, Elja - Nice to meet you! I've gotten to experience Feldenkrais and T Touch (one of my clients works in those modalities) - and they are so wonderfully healing! Love meeting others who do that kind of work.
That sounds SO interesting, honestly! Sorry to hear about your mom and your friend, but for what it is worth... Do you know who didn't record 5 audio lessons of any length today?
Me. And pretty much everyone else here as far as I know lol. Give yourself credit, that's a lot - and it will make such an impact on people you care about! Good job.
Me. And pretty much everyone else here as far as I know lol. Give yourself credit, that's a lot - and it will make such an impact on people you care about! Good job.
Thank you for your encouraging words, I really apreciate it 😊
Hi Elja! Welcome to Solo School! <3 I see you've already connected with Paula James and her movement work, so I'm hoping you two will have lots to share.
I lived in Groningen in 2010-2012 for about a year and a half while doing an Erasmus Mundus program at the university. I loved so many aspects of the city, it's such a special place (albeit a bit wet ).
I'd love to know more about your work as you spend more time here. Welcome!
I'm Carlyn (she/her). I am an occupational therapist in Calgary, Alberta 🇨🇦 who works with adults, mainly in mental health. I also mentor to other OT business owners (many are ND) through my ACTivate Vitality program, host The BRAVE OT Podcast and educate both online and at the University of Alberta. I am currently stretching by turning toward thought leadership beyond my comfortable professional circle. I need a new hyperfocus because Canada-US politics has been the default for too many months. Plants. I love plants. 🪴
I wish I could say I can't relate to your hyperfocus. Yes, let's try plants. LOL
Hi! I’m Matt (he/him). I live near Cleveland, Ohio, in the US.
I’ve run my own graphic design and web development agency-of-one for the last 15+ years. But after multiple years of burnout and an ADHD diagnosis at 50, I’m starting something new that is more aligned with my brain: an offering to help solo business owners who are stuck trying to make their own website. I’m designing a supportive, non-judgmental process to help move people out of shame and guilt into a successful launch so they can continue to flourish.
My current hyperfixation? Making a Halloween costume for my 10-year-old son.
(p.s. I’m new here. Free — for now. I dig the idea but just couldn’t do another Meta community.)
I’ve run my own graphic design and web development agency-of-one for the last 15+ years. But after multiple years of burnout and an ADHD diagnosis at 50, I’m starting something new that is more aligned with my brain: an offering to help solo business owners who are stuck trying to make their own website. I’m designing a supportive, non-judgmental process to help move people out of shame and guilt into a successful launch so they can continue to flourish.
My current hyperfixation? Making a Halloween costume for my 10-year-old son.
(p.s. I’m new here. Free — for now. I dig the idea but just couldn’t do another Meta community.)
Please tell me everything (that you'd like) about the Halloween costume! What is your son dressing up as? What are you doing to make the costume? Tools? Textures?
It’s …. very 10-year-old niche. His current favorite game on a mobile gaming platform called Roblox is named — I kid you not — Steal a Brainrot. It’s super dumb and can be kind of traumatic and it’s also *ridiculously* popular. Anyways, he’s dressing up as the in-game avatar of the creator of the game, SpyderSammy. He kind of looks like a Lego man with a spider on his left eye who is wearing all red with a red top-hat and a silver necklace with a big silver spider and red katana swords. So I’m gonna be doing a bunch of silver and red spray-painting in the next couple of days and we’ll do some yellow face paint and black pencil the day of.
Hey Matt,
Wow! Sounds very interesting and intense! Maybe you can show a picture when you're done? It sounds intriguing as well.
Hiya Matt! This project sounds SUPER interesting. While I can build a whole site, we don't have a lot of website resources here. Many ND folx either want or need to DIY their sites but don't have the skills, tools, or access to do so effectively. Feel free to start a thread asking what others struggle with most on this topic, I bet you'll get some good responses. Things I hear most are:
- How do I know when it is done?
- People keep telling me to stop trying to make it perfect, but I don't want to publish 💩 - what do?
- What does my website need?
- When will my website actually be finished?
- Which software should I use that will give me the features I'm after without breaking the bank?
Ooh! That's a good idea, and a good list of questions. I'll give some thought to a thread. Thanks, Cheryl!
You betcha! You're more than welcome to post a thread on that any time
Hey! I'm Misty (she/her), and I have no clue as to what I want to do. I have been a content writer, up until last fall, when my Dad became sick and we eventually lost him.
I am based in Atlanta, GA, and I'm figuring out my next step by looking around to see what problem people seem to have and what I can solve (at least that is what advice I seem to be reading and hearing everywhere).
I'm an avid reader (any suggestions for books are welcome!) and I am just starting today my hand at a new hobby of pencil drawing.
I am based in Atlanta, GA, and I'm figuring out my next step by looking around to see what problem people seem to have and what I can solve (at least that is what advice I seem to be reading and hearing everywhere).
I'm an avid reader (any suggestions for books are welcome!) and I am just starting today my hand at a new hobby of pencil drawing.
Oh Misty, I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. Sending big hugs.
I'm learning to draw too right now. What resources are you using? Would be happy to share.
I'm also reading Atmosphere (good so far) and just finished How to Sell a Haunted House, which will be your new favourite book if haunted puppets possessing people is a sub-genre of horror you enjoy. (TW: parents of adult children are unalived in this one.)
Best place for most ND folx to start when they want to do something new is actually to figure out what you like to do that other people might value. I'll see if I can drop the skills training in here at some point today, but a good place to start is just brain dumping out everything you're good at and thinking
1. What do I want to do more of?
2. Is that something that some people value?
3. Am I better than a beginner at it?
And go from there!
I'm learning to draw too right now. What resources are you using? Would be happy to share.
I'm also reading Atmosphere (good so far) and just finished How to Sell a Haunted House, which will be your new favourite book if haunted puppets possessing people is a sub-genre of horror you enjoy. (TW: parents of adult children are unalived in this one.)
Best place for most ND folx to start when they want to do something new is actually to figure out what you like to do that other people might value. I'll see if I can drop the skills training in here at some point today, but a good place to start is just brain dumping out everything you're good at and thinking
1. What do I want to do more of?
2. Is that something that some people value?
3. Am I better than a beginner at it?
And go from there!
Hi Cheryl!
Currently, I'm using a book I found on the bookshelf, titled "How to Draw Anything."
Okay, I normally don't do horror, but I will have to check this one out, lol. And I'll check out Atmosphere.
Thank you for your guidance! I shall begin my brain dumping immediately
Currently, I'm using a book I found on the bookshelf, titled "How to Draw Anything."
Okay, I normally don't do horror, but I will have to check this one out, lol. And I'll check out Atmosphere.
Thank you for your guidance! I shall begin my brain dumping immediately
Oh! I have one like that called "You'll be able to draw by the end of this book" haha
Those two recommendations are very different, but both enjoyable. Have fun!
Hello! I'm Starr (with two R's) she/her.
I am the founder of Radical Revelations and the Flow & Grow Collective. I am passionate about the intersections of ethical leadership, metaphysical spirituality, and giving a crap about our planet & the beings on it. I'm also a professional vocalist in my band Sol Simpatico. I live near Portland, OR. I am working on growing my business, getting on more stages, and clarifying my message. My current hyperfixation is replaying Persona 5 Royal on the Switch and trying to be better at flossing at night!
I am the founder of Radical Revelations and the Flow & Grow Collective. I am passionate about the intersections of ethical leadership, metaphysical spirituality, and giving a crap about our planet & the beings on it. I'm also a professional vocalist in my band Sol Simpatico. I live near Portland, OR. I am working on growing my business, getting on more stages, and clarifying my message. My current hyperfixation is replaying Persona 5 Royal on the Switch and trying to be better at flossing at night!
I'm going to assume you mean dental floss and not that Fortnite dance my kids tried to teach me in 2019 😂
Welcome!
Welcome!
Hi! I'm Ann Marie (she/her/hers). I run The Marketing Moms, and have 15 years of experience in digital marketing. Now I focus on creating IRL partnerships and collaborations for my local clients here in Greater Boston. I live outside of Boston, MA in the🫠🫠United States🫠🫠. Next step is growing my local community and membership. My current hyperfixations are saving us from f*scism, sourdough desserts, and playing Roblox with my oldest daughter.
Hi Ann Marie! Nice to see an elder marketer in here, and good job focusing on local. I have a funny feeling that's going to be the big thing for the next half-decade or more.
And I, too, enjoy saving everyone from fascism and sourdough lol
And I, too, enjoy saving everyone from fascism and sourdough lol
YAY!! Thank you for this Cheryl!! It's a reason for me to break away from the doom scroll, and the doom scroll has been REALLY bad for my mental health as of late!
My name is Ray (he/him), and I live in a suburb of Pittsburgh, PA. Currently I work a 9-5 J-O-B that I kinda enjoy the work, but doesn't pay the bills or give enough PTO. I've been in tech support and training of some sort for the past 25+ years. Over the past 5ish years I've tried so many things to get out of the 9-5 rut - life coach, grief coach, DFY tech support for entrepreneurs, even a YouTube channel/Podcast. Nothing stuck and I've felt....a way....about it. Plus been left with so much debt due to trying the NT way to do these things and failing, that I just feel stuck. I still want to do something different, but I have so much trauma from the last 5 years I don't even know what, let alone how.
As for my current hyperfixation - thanks to the FB doom scroll I happened across a sponsored post of a self described nerdy pop-country-folk artist named Grace Morrison. You know, those sponsored posts that say "Let me send you a free CD of my music, just pay postage!" In this case, I'm glad I did - it's super awesome and I've been listening to it on repeat for the last week! She's definitely our (ND) people, too. Here's her website: https://www.gracemorrison.com/
My name is Ray (he/him), and I live in a suburb of Pittsburgh, PA. Currently I work a 9-5 J-O-B that I kinda enjoy the work, but doesn't pay the bills or give enough PTO. I've been in tech support and training of some sort for the past 25+ years. Over the past 5ish years I've tried so many things to get out of the 9-5 rut - life coach, grief coach, DFY tech support for entrepreneurs, even a YouTube channel/Podcast. Nothing stuck and I've felt....a way....about it. Plus been left with so much debt due to trying the NT way to do these things and failing, that I just feel stuck. I still want to do something different, but I have so much trauma from the last 5 years I don't even know what, let alone how.
As for my current hyperfixation - thanks to the FB doom scroll I happened across a sponsored post of a self described nerdy pop-country-folk artist named Grace Morrison. You know, those sponsored posts that say "Let me send you a free CD of my music, just pay postage!" In this case, I'm glad I did - it's super awesome and I've been listening to it on repeat for the last week! She's definitely our (ND) people, too. Here's her website: https://www.gracemorrison.com/
I'm so excited for this, Ray! It's a great reason for me to break away from the doom scroll, too.
I'll definitely check out Grace, too!
For now, Ray, we give you permission to just be and not figure anything out. You're welcome here as you are, while you sort through things and find your next brilliant idea. You've had some really great ones, so frankly, it's only a matter of time! ❤️
I'll definitely check out Grace, too!
For now, Ray, we give you permission to just be and not figure anything out. You're welcome here as you are, while you sort through things and find your next brilliant idea. You've had some really great ones, so frankly, it's only a matter of time! ❤️
Okay, I clicked on the "Beer in a Teacup" video and I'm sold. I'll be listening to a lot of the rest tomorrow. Thanks for the recommendation!
I'm with you on the last five years being traumatic. I've had my own reasons that differ from yours, but I know the feeling of being stuck and of being in debt. It's hard. It got me into therapy for the first time in my life, and that helped me a lot. It led me to an ADHD diagnosis at 50, which was not on my BINGO card. (Sounds like you're way ahead of me there.)
All that is to say, I feel for you, I'm pulling for you, and now I've listened to "Gloria," and I'm hooked. ❤️
I'm with you on the last five years being traumatic. I've had my own reasons that differ from yours, but I know the feeling of being stuck and of being in debt. It's hard. It got me into therapy for the first time in my life, and that helped me a lot. It led me to an ADHD diagnosis at 50, which was not on my BINGO card. (Sounds like you're way ahead of me there.)
All that is to say, I feel for you, I'm pulling for you, and now I've listened to "Gloria," and I'm hooked. ❤️
Hello everyone!
I'm Sarah (she/her), a copywriter, creative writer and brand photographer based in Agassiz, BC. I'm originally from the UK and Malta though so funny accent warning right here!
Right now I'm in a kind of transition. I've just opened up my niche from creative service providers and personal brands to now also include authors and literary brands. I'm hoping to get myself some editing qualifications and start mentoring authors, as well as helping them market their brand with website copy and content (and brand photos if they're based in the same area!).
Hmmm, current hyperfixation... Disobedient Business Co.'s Get Shit Done Hub (https://disobedientbusiness.com/get-shit-done-hub). It has totally changed the way I work through my week and get my stuff done and I'm loving it!
I'm Sarah (she/her), a copywriter, creative writer and brand photographer based in Agassiz, BC. I'm originally from the UK and Malta though so funny accent warning right here!
Right now I'm in a kind of transition. I've just opened up my niche from creative service providers and personal brands to now also include authors and literary brands. I'm hoping to get myself some editing qualifications and start mentoring authors, as well as helping them market their brand with website copy and content (and brand photos if they're based in the same area!).
Hmmm, current hyperfixation... Disobedient Business Co.'s Get Shit Done Hub (https://disobedientbusiness.com/get-shit-done-hub). It has totally changed the way I work through my week and get my stuff done and I'm loving it!
Hello, from across the bridge! Haha Nice lateral move on the niches, that seems really cool!
And ooooooo on the GSD Hub, I get new planner vibes and those are always fun!
So happy to see you here 😊
And ooooooo on the GSD Hub, I get new planner vibes and those are always fun!
So happy to see you here 😊
Hi everyone! My name is Jared Broussard (he/him), and I am a licensed professional counselor running a private practice in the Greater Houston area, but I'm licensed to see clients virtually all over the state of Texas, which is what I do primarily (provide individual therapy via telehealth). The next step I'm taking in my private practice is to work on digitizing my individual and group therapy handouts/materials, in the interest of utilizing them for online products. My current hyperfixation is finding ways to help people feel more comfortable approaching the topic of mental health by talking about them alongside my favorite nerd franchises. I also can't wait for Halloween! My whole family has KPop Demon Hunter costumes this year by declaration of my 7 year old daughter.
Hi, I'm Deana, like you spent the "Day-awn-uh" farm. (She/Her)
I am the human behind the Healthy Humaning movement. A revolutionary way of being human, and being human with other humans that will fundamentally change the world. I'm about halfway between DC and Richmond, VA, where I've live pretty much my entire life except for a brief stint in Vegas.
Up next for me is revisiting all of the original ideas I've had over the last 4.5 years that I let people talk me out of and figuring out if I still want to do them and what "my way" will look and feel like.
I don't really feel like I have a hyperfixation atm, except maybe how many different things I want to be doing without enough time and other resources to do it all. 😂
I am the human behind the Healthy Humaning movement. A revolutionary way of being human, and being human with other humans that will fundamentally change the world. I'm about halfway between DC and Richmond, VA, where I've live pretty much my entire life except for a brief stint in Vegas.
Up next for me is revisiting all of the original ideas I've had over the last 4.5 years that I let people talk me out of and figuring out if I still want to do them and what "my way" will look and feel like.
I don't really feel like I have a hyperfixation atm, except maybe how many different things I want to be doing without enough time and other resources to do it all. 😂
I'm Erin (she/ her). I'm a brand designer, website wizard and artist at Skyward Ink. I'm based in San Luis Obispo, CA, halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco. I'm finishing up rebuilding my business website and brand from the ground up and about to launch that. Restarting my business after having to shut it down because I had Long Covid (better now!) Current hyperfixation is making my dog into an influencer. I've been growing his account on TikTok (@paxton.pants) - he hit 1000 followers today, and now I'm building him a brand and website so we can start pitching UGC opportunities (if you know anyone who wants a super-adorable corgi to promote their products, let me know!)